ALCHEMY OF EARTH RETREAT

Retreat into the Ritual of Creative Living

YOGA, AYURVEDA & NATURAL DYES

Journey to the Yuba River in the heart of Northern California for a 4-day yoga and wellness retreat. Discover the art of creative living. Reconnect to body and soul through daily yoga practices rooted in the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Discover self-care rituals that align with the rhythms of the Earth. Nourish your creative potential with a workshop series on the art of natural dyeing. Join for an intimate gathering of connection, intuition and inspiration.

4 days + 3 Nights

May 22 - 25, 2025

Space is limited. Earlybird $100 off with code YUBALOVE thru Dec 31!

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WILDERNESS IMMERSION TO THE YUBA

Explore the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the sacred Yuba River. If you ask any local, they’ll tell you the Yuba is a place like no other. Come to be cleansed, inspired, or simply soak the crystal clear waters for rejuvenation. We believe Nature is medicine and beneath all our conditioning, it’s our inherent state of being. Through wilderness immersion, we reconnect with the land, the plants, the animals and the subtle rhythms of the river to strengthen our intuition, creative flow and connection to life. A return to nature is a way home to ourselves.

  • Discover the 5,000 year-old ancient wisdom of Ayurveda “the science of life” + rituals for self-care

  • Ethical harvesting + wildcrafting lessons

  • Learn healing properties of native plants + medicine making

  • Afternoon garden & Yuba River Trip

  • Two Creative Workshops on Natural Dyeing using plants such as Indigo, Turmeric, Eucalyptus

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ELEMENT-INSPIRED YOGA MOVEMENT

Enjoy two yoga classes daily, intended to inspire embodied awareness and personal expression.

Each class is guided with mindfulness, alignment focus, and Ayurvedic principles to integrate body, mind and heart. Morning Asana is inspired by solar energy, a Vinyasa class unfolding consciousness through the dance of breath with movement. In the afternoon, we wind down the day with a lunar-inspired practice such as Restorative, Aromatherapy Grounding Flow, or Yoga Nidra. One can expect meditation, pranayama, breath awareness, mudra and mantra.

Whether an seasoned practitioner or new yogi, instruction and modifications are given for each individual explore one’s potential.

NATURAL DYE WORKSHOPS

Enjoy two thorough and fun natural dye workshop days with Kristin Arazt! In ancient Vedic science, plants can simultaneously offer medicinal and healing benefits to cloth and our bodies, a practice known as Ayurvastra in India. We will go in-depth with natural indigo dyeing and resist techniques and immersion dyeing through mordant printing. Using only organic plant matter, you will gain knowledge and experiment with the art of natural dyeing. You will take home samples in a variety of colors and fibers. Our first workshop day will be totally focused on natural indigo dyeing, and our second workshop day will dive into print pastes and immersion dyeing with mordant dyes.

All workshop materials are included, but you are also welcome to bring your own small, natural fiber items to dye.

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THE AYURVEDIC NOURISHMENT

Enjoy a retreat menu intentionally crafted to nourish and heal. Each meal is made with Ayurvedic principles that align with the transition of seasons and the local harvest.

We believe food is medicine and our chef, prepares each dish with enthusiasm, mindfulness and love. All meals are plant-based with organic ingredients that are sourced for their high quality, nutrient-dense and nourishing essence. We support our local farmers when possible. If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, we can happily accommodate.

THE ACCOMMODATION

Our home away from home is nestled on 100 acres of forest-views, creek waterfalls and private trails with the beloved Yuba River a short meander away.

With the backdrop of nature’s sounds, the aromas of old pine and oak trees, the medicinal plants that live in the winding trails, our weekend getaway is the ideal place for rejuvenation, rest and reconnection.

Intentional in design, the home itself holds an artistic aesthetic. With a big sunny deck to overlooking the forest, it’s easy to bathe in the simple luxury of feeling the warmth on your skin and attuning to the subtle rhythms of nature around. Every bedroom is made up with organic linens. Each bathroom features organic towels with natural products.

You may book a private king bedroom with your own bathroom, a private queen bedroom with shared bathrooms, a shared queen bedroom {ideal for couples or a friend} or pitch on one of our designated camp sites. WiFi is available on property as needed.

If you have any questions about the accommodation, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

4 Days + 3 Nights

  • Welcome Circle Ritual

  • 5 Element-inspired Yoga Classes: Solar + Lunar Movement {vinyasa, yin, restorative and yoga nidra}

  • 8 Nourishing Plant Based Meals

  • 2 Natural Dye Workshops: Indigo + Shibori Resist Techniques, Bundle Dying, Ayurvastra + colors of Medicinal Plants

  • 1 Ayurvedic Workshop: Pillars of Health & Longevity

  • All workshop materials included

  • Guided Hike + River Cleanse  

  • Sound Bath Meditation

  • Sunshine medicine, golden milk tonics, but most importantly good company + a slice of Nature’s serenity

  • Yoga Alliance continuing education hours available for registered yoga teachers {See FAQs below for details}

Sample Schedule

7:00 AM Coffee, Tea, Warm Lemon Water

8:00 - 9:15 AM Asana, Pranayama + Meditation

9:15 - 10:30 AM Nourishing Breakfast

10:30 - 1:30 PM Workshop Series

1:30 PM Nourishing Lunch

2:30 - 5:00 PM River Hike + Free Time + Rest

5:00 - 6:30 PM Restorative / Sound Healing

6:30 - 7:30 PM Light Dinner + Sunset

Check-in: 4:00 PM Thursday // Checkout 11:00 AM Sunday

Accommodation + Pricing

We offer tiered pricing options so you can modify your retreat experience to your personal needs. A non-refundable $350 deposit reserves your spot and flexible payment plans are available. Below is the cost per a person:

$100 off with code YUBALOVE thru Dec 31, 2024

Camp Out $975

Queen Bed Private Room with Shared Bath - Single $1400 / Shared with partner or friend $1200 each

King Bed Private Room with Shared Bath- Single $1550 / Shared with partner or friend $1275 each

King Bed Private Room with Private Bath & Tub - Single $1600 / Shared with partner or friend $1350 each

Private River Cabin {Queen Bed} with Shared Bathroom - $1450 / Shared with partner or friend $1250 each

Cost includes all workshop materials, organic meals, accommodation, and activities. Transportation to and from retreat location is not included but we will gladly organize carpools from the Bay Area. Deposits are non-refundable. Please read terms and conditions for full details here.

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WHAT PEOPLE LOVED ABOUT THIS RETREAT

Testimonials Alchemy of Earth

This retreat was truly nourishing, grounding, and exciting. Gaby and Kristin were perfect hosts. I can't tell you how much I needed to be in nature, in community, and learning new things. We started each day with freshly made chai by the wonderful Alexandra and Czarina, the Ayurvedic chef & her lovely sous chef. Morning yoga was outside each day and I can't tell you how wonderful it was practicing alongside lovely people w/Gaby as our guide. She is patient and thoughtful...a wonderful teacher who possesses a calm open fun vibe. Breakfast was served in the cozy house and each meal brought me closer to deep groundedness within my body. By the time it was over I felt completely nourished and grateful. (and managed to loose a few pounds even though I went back for seconds every delicious meal!) Then we would learn about and experiment with natural dyeing and resist techniques w/Kristin who has a gentle, fun, and informative way of teaching. Her patience with our endless questions was remarkable. She demonstrated and assisted us and cheered us on. I learned about indigo dyeing...something that I've been wanting to learn for years now. I left with confidence that I can do this at home, and we also received a very detailed follow up email with links to refer back to. I cannot WAIT to try some of the things we learned, I'm so inspired! We got a journal in our little welcome bundle of gifts, and I wrote in it every night so I can return to how I felt on this retreat when I feel overworked or stressed. I wanted to make sure to capture the amazingness that was happening all around and inside of me. I can't recommend this more for people who want to learn about plant-based dye, Ayurveda, yoga, and do it in the most beautiful surroundings with lovely people. <3

- Sarah K - Ojai, CA

This retreat was beyond anything I could have hoped for. The setting, the community, the activities we are all wonderful. Gaby's yoga instruction and leadership was exactly what was called for, Kristin was knowledgable and patient with endless questions about natural dye, and Wild Hart Ayruveda provided incredible meals four times a day. I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend. Thank you!

- Eileen R, CA

This was a supremely well orchestrated trip led by two very kind, warm and knowledgeable facilitators, Gaby and Kristin. Each activity and space between was designed with intention. The yoga was inviting, the food was incredibly nourishing, the natural dye workshop was super cool, and the Yuba was the cherry on top - perfectly magical.

- Gabrielle S, CA

This retreat was a perfect marriage of yoga, Ayurveda, and natural dye techniques. It stoked my creativity, fueled my soul, and nourished my body. You could feel the passion and love that was poured into every minute of it by Gaby, Kristin, and Tiffany. Anyone looking to create a little bit more space from themselves in their life should attend the Alchemy of Earth Retreat. Its the perfect way to reconnect what is important for body, mind, and soul.

- Lauren, Washington D.C.

It was a weekend of bliss, creative discovery and soulful food shared among a group of positive, like-minded people. There are many moments I will remember…the reveal of my first Indigo dye fabric, the hearty breakfast after an energizing morning Vinyasa, the hike to the Yuba River and meditating there, warm conversations after evening meals and nourishing sleep at the day’s end, surrounded by the peaceful sound of nature. The perfect escape from the busyness of life.

- Helene, Oakland CA

I loved the intentionally designed meals and 2 a day yoga sessions. Kristen's style of teaching during the natural dye session was clutch. She really allows you to explore your creative freedom in a loving supportive way. Gaby's knowledge of ayurveda was/is bananas I felt like we could almost have done a full session of just questions and answers. The workshops aside the whole retreat had an air of discovery and healing about it. Rarely have I felt such supportive energy, the attention that they gave to you in each workshop, their appreciation of your be'ing even when you did it badly was extraordinary. In that sort of environment transformation can't help but manifest itself. The question anyone interested in an Alchemy of Earth Retreat is: are you ready to transform?

-Dallas, Amsterdam Netherlands

MEET YOUR GUIDES

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GABY COLLETTA | YOGA & AYURVEDA

Gaby is a Yoga Instructor, Ayurvedic Health Counselor and Somatic Therapist with over 15 years of practice in integrative wellness. She facilitates nature-based retreats, guides mind-body courses, leads teacher trainings and coaches individuals on how to create an ecosystem of internal resources that support resilience, connection and awakened potential. Her teachings weave together the Ancient wisdom traditions of Tantra and Buddhism with modern-day neuroscience and somatic psychology. Reverence for nature and ritual, embodied presence and deep intention are at the heart of her practices. Gaby is a registered E-RYT 500, YACEP and holds a Masters in Integrative Counseling Psychology.  

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KRISTIN ARZT | NATURAL DYES & TEXTILES

Kristin is a natural dyer, educator, gardener, and designer based in Maryland. She has taught workshops and led retreats all over the country, served on the board of Local Cloth, and been involved in Fibersheds from Northern California, to the Mid-Atlantic, to the Blue Ridge Mountains. By exploring the collision of textiles, plants, and sustainability, her goal is to help make the study of natural dyes accessible to everyone through education and enthusiasm. Kristin is a lifelong learner, a student and teacher of yoga (RYT 200) and is currently enrolled in her third Yoga Teacher Training program, often combining elements from these teachings into her creative workshops.

Website: www.kristinarzt.com | IG: @kristin.arzt

FAQs

  • The Forest Homestead is located a 10 minute drive from Nevada City, 15 minutes to Grass Valley, 20 minutes to Scott’s Flat Lake, 1 ½ hours to Lake Tahoe, Reno and Sacramento and 2 ½ hours to San Francisco and Oakland.

    The easiest way to get here is by car. If you’re based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, we are happy to coordinate shared rides + carpools. If you are flying in to join us, the 3 closest airports are Sacramento - SMF, Oakland - OAK, and San Francisco International - SFO. Road-tripping out to our gathering? We’ll send you a list of some of our favorite spots to check out in the area.

  • There is no cell reception at the retreat grounds. Consider this a wonderful opportunity for a digital detox! If you need to make any last calls or texts, do so in Nevada City as service becomes limited the closer to the retreat space you get.

    There is WiFi available in the Homestead should you need to connect - this is our main retreat space where all meals are served, workshops are held, and most yoga practices.

  • Camping at the retreat is nestled amongst the trees on beautiful flattened sites, a short walk from the main retreat house. Bring your own camping gear or rent gear for $25 USD.

    • Campsites are first come first serve

    • Parking for campers is approximately 300 feet from campsites (a very short walk)

    • Campers have an easy access bathroom equipped with a toilet, shower, and two vanity sinks that is inside the Homestead House.

    • Campers also have access to all other bathrooms and showers on the premise.

    • Gear rental is $25 USD and includes: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, solar light and tent.

  • Yes! In the Alchemy of Earth Yoga & Ayurveda Immersion students will gain a knowledge of how to apply Ayurvedic principles to daily life and yoga. Through embodied practices, students will experience the energetics of the 5 elements, 3 doshas, and how to live in alignment with the seasons. All teachings will dive into the Ayurvedic understanding of health or "Svastha".

    Hours are accrued through:

    • 3 vinyasa practices incorporating a blend asana, pranayama, mudra and mantra to explore the elemental energies within and how balance excess in mind and body

    • 1 Yin practice exploring gentle lunar movement for stress resilience, release and relaxation

    • 1 Yoga Nidra & Sound meditation practice exploring sound as medicine and conscious integration

    • 1 Ayurvedic Wellness workshop exploring wise energy management, seasonal wellness

    • Food, Diet and Lifestyle teachings throughout the retreat

    This course is eligible for 10 continuing education contact hours for Yoga Alliance teachers. 1:1 questions, dialogue and feedback. There is also an opportunity to accuse an additional 5 non-contact hours through a 1:1 mentoring call and an integration assignment contingent on the individual’s teaching goals.

  • Preparation: We ask that you prioritize self-care and health in the time leading up. We recommend to all participants to minimize potential exposure to COVID, especially within the 2 weeks prior to arrival.

    We understand that some folks will arrive vaccinated while others may not yet and are committed to keeping everyone safe. Further COVID-19 Protocols will be shared, but for now all the yoga practices and natural dye workshops will be held in the fresh outdoors during the day. Meals will be served indoors with varied seating both inside and outside. Our intimate gathering limited to 16 participants maximum. The space will be aired out daily.

    Required: In line with the CDC requirement for travel in, we ask that you provide a negative covid test with 72 hours of us coming or vaccination.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Deposits are non-refundable. Balance is due on March 30, 2024. If you cancel your booking less than 60 days prior to departure, the penalty is 50% of the trip price. Within 45 days of departure, the penalty is 75%. Within 30 days of departure, the penalty is 100%. 

Read the Retreat Booking Terms and Conditions here for full details. 

Big love + Gratitude to our 2024 Sponsors!

If you are interested in sponsoring our 2024 retreat, please download our sponsorship deck here.

Many photos captured of the retreat are by Eileen Roche.